SemBioSys Genetics, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Field Release of Safflower Genetically Engineered To Produce Human Proinsulin, 34426-34427 [E7-12098]

Download as PDF 34426 Notices Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 120 Friday, June 22, 2007 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket # AMS–FV–2007–0007; FV–06–309] United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Reopening and extension of the comment period. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the comment period on possible development of United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine is reopened and extended. DATES: Comments must be received by August 21, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the Internet at: https:// www.regulations.gov or the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington DC 20250–0240; or fax (202) 720–8871. Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vincent J. Fusaro, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, (202) 720–2185. The proposed United States Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine are available through the Fresh Products Branch Web site at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A notice was published in the Federal Register on February 16, 2007 (72 FR 7593), requesting comments on the possible development of the United States VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:51 Jun 21, 2007 Jkt 211001 Standards for Grades of Tomatoes on the Vine. The proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of tomatoes on the vine. Additionally, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) also sought any comments related to the proposed standards that may be necessary to better serve the industry. The comment period ended April 17, 2007. A comment was received on behalf of a trade group representing growers and packers, expressing the need for additional time to comment. The group requested an extension to the comment period to allow review of the proposed voluntary standards and consider comments. After reviewing the request, AMS is reopening and extending the comment period in order to allow sufficient time for interested persons, including growers, packers, and trade groups to file comments. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. Dated: June 18, 2007. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E7–12064 Filed 6–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2007–0023] SemBioSys Genetics, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Field Release of Safflower Genetically Engineered To Produce Human Proinsulin Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared an environmental assessment for a proposed field release involving a transgenic safflower line that has been genetically engineered to express, within the seeds, human proinsulin fused to an Arabidopsis oleosin molecule. The purpose of this field release is to obtain seed material for development of downstream insulin purification techniques. The PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 environmental assessment is available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments received on or before July 23, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov, select ‘‘Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID column, select APHIS–2007– 0023 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instruction for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS–2007–0023, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2007–0023. Reading Room: You may read the environmental assessment (EA) and any comments we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690–2817 before coming. The EA is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ brs/aphisdocs/06_363103r_ea.pdf. Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Patricia Beetham, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1236; (301) 734–0664. To obtain copies of the environmental assessment, contact Ms. Cynthia Eck at (301) 734– 0667; e-mail: cynthia.a.eck@aphis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 7 CFR part 340, E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 120 / Friday, June 22, 2007 / Notices ‘‘Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering Which Are Plant Pests or Which There Is Reason to Believe Are Plant Pests,’’ regulate, among other things, the introduction (importation, interstate movement, or release into the environment) of organisms and products altered or produced through genetic engineering that are plant pests or that there is reason to believe are plant pests. Such genetically engineered organisms and products are considered ‘‘regulated articles.’’ A permit must be obtained or a notification acknowledged before a regulated article may be introduced. The regulations set forth the permit application requirements and the notification procedures for the importation, interstate movement, or release in the environment of a regulated article. On December 18, 2006, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) received a permit application (APHIS No. 06–363–103r) from SemBioSys Genetics, Inc., of West Sacramento, CA, for a field trial using a line of transgenic safflower. Permit application 06–363–103r describes a transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) cultivar that has been genetically engineered to express a fusion protein consisting of oleosin from Arabidopsis thaliana and human proinsulin exclusively within its seeds. Expression of this fusion protein is controlled by the phaseolin promoter and terminator sequences from Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean). Constructs were inserted into the recipient organisms via a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector system. The seed from these safflower plants will be ground and used for the development of proinsulin purification technology and is not for commercial production. The subject safflower is considered a regulated article under the regulations in 7 CFR part 340 because it has been genetically engineered utilizing a recombinant DNA technique that uses a vector derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. To provide the public with documentation of APHIS’ review and analysis of any potential environmental impacts and plant pest risks associated with the proposed release of the transgenic safflower, we have prepared an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was prepared in accordance with (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:51 Jun 21, 2007 Jkt 211001 of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room. (Instructions for accessing Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room are provided under the heading ADDRESSES at the beginning of this notice.) In addition, copies may be obtained by calling or writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of June 2007. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E7–12098 Filed 6–21–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of Proposed Collection; Comment Request—Food Stamp Forms: Applications, Periodic Reporting, Notices Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on the proposed extension of this collection. The information collection requirement described in this notice is OMB Number 0584–0064: Application and Certification of Food Stamp Households. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before August 21, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who respond, including the PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34427 use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Patrick Waldron, Branch Chief, Certification Policy Branch, Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Mr. Waldron at (703) 305–2486 or via e-mail at patrick.waldron@FNS.USDA.GOV. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 22302, Room 800. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Mr. Waldron at (703) 305–2495. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Food Stamp Forms: Applications, Periodic Reporting, Notices. OMB Number: 0584–0064. Form Number: None. Expiration Date: 7/31/07. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Title 7, Part 273 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sets forth the Food Stamp Program requirements for the application, certification and continued eligibility for food stamp benefits. Listed below are the components of the forms and requirements included in the information collection. Application to participate in the Food Stamp Program. The application is filed by all applicant households when first applying to participate in the program and is used by the State agencies that administer the program to determine household eligibility. Based on FY 2006 data, we estimate that the burden associated with the application for certification at 3,473,171 hours for households (10,967,909 applications × 19 minutes (0.32 hrs) to complete the application). We estimate the burden for State agencies at 3,473,171 hours (10,967,909 applications × 19 minutes (0.32 hrs) to review the application). Application for Recertification. All food stamp households are assigned finite certification periods. In order to continue participating in the Food E:\FR\FM\22JNN1.SGM 22JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 120 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34426-34427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12098]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2007-0023]


SemBioSys Genetics, Inc.; Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment for a Field Release of Safflower Genetically Engineered To 
Produce Human Proinsulin

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared an 
environmental assessment for a proposed field release involving a 
transgenic safflower line that has been genetically engineered to 
express, within the seeds, human proinsulin fused to an Arabidopsis 
oleosin molecule. The purpose of this field release is to obtain seed 
material for development of downstream insulin purification techniques. 
The environmental assessment is available to the public for review and 
comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments received on or before July 23, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov, select ``Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service'' from the agency drop-down menu, then click ``Submit.'' In the 
Docket ID column, select APHIS-2007-0023 to submit or view public 
comments and to view supporting and related materials available 
electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including 
instruction for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing 
the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through 
the site's ``User Tips'' link.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send four copies 
of your comment (an original and three copies) to Docket No. APHIS-
2007-0023, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD APHIS, Station 3A-
03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state 
that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2007-0023.
    Reading Room: You may read the environmental assessment (EA) and 
any comments we receive on this docket in our reading room. The reading 
room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street 
and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours 
are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be 
sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690-2817 before 
coming. The EA is available on the Internet at https://
www.aphis.usda.gov/brs/aphisdocs/06_363103r_ea.pdf.
    Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its 
programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Patricia Beetham, Biotechnology 
Regulatory Services, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236; (301) 734-0664. To obtain copies of the environmental 
assessment, contact Ms. Cynthia Eck at (301) 734-0667; e-mail: 
cynthia.a.eck@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulations in 7 CFR part 340,

[[Page 34427]]

``Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through 
Genetic Engineering Which Are Plant Pests or Which There Is Reason to 
Believe Are Plant Pests,'' regulate, among other things, the 
introduction (importation, interstate movement, or release into the 
environment) of organisms and products altered or produced through 
genetic engineering that are plant pests or that there is reason to 
believe are plant pests. Such genetically engineered organisms and 
products are considered ``regulated articles.'' A permit must be 
obtained or a notification acknowledged before a regulated article may 
be introduced. The regulations set forth the permit application 
requirements and the notification procedures for the importation, 
interstate movement, or release in the environment of a regulated 
article.
    On December 18, 2006, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) received a permit application (APHIS No. 06-363-103r) 
from SemBioSys Genetics, Inc., of West Sacramento, CA, for a field 
trial using a line of transgenic safflower. Permit application 06-363-
103r describes a transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) cultivar 
that has been genetically engineered to express a fusion protein 
consisting of oleosin from Arabidopsis thaliana and human proinsulin 
exclusively within its seeds. Expression of this fusion protein is 
controlled by the phaseolin promoter and terminator sequences from 
Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean). Constructs were inserted into the 
recipient organisms via a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector 
system. The seed from these safflower plants will be ground and used 
for the development of proinsulin purification technology and is not 
for commercial production.
    The subject safflower is considered a regulated article under the 
regulations in 7 CFR part 340 because it has been genetically 
engineered utilizing a recombinant DNA technique that uses a vector 
derived from Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
    To provide the public with documentation of APHIS' review and 
analysis of any potential environmental impacts and plant pest risks 
associated with the proposed release of the transgenic safflower, we 
have prepared an environmental assessment (EA). The EA was prepared in 
accordance with (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the 
Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural 
provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), (3) USDA regulations 
implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing 
Procedures (7 CFR part 372).
    The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our 
reading room. (Instructions for accessing Regulations.gov and 
information on the location and hours of the reading room are provided 
under the heading ADDRESSES at the beginning of this notice.) In 
addition, copies may be obtained by calling or writing to the 
individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701-7772 and 7781-7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 
CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 18th day of June 2007.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. E7-12098 Filed 6-21-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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